MINNEAPOLIS, MN – OCTOBER 01: Dante Cunningham #33 of the Minnesota Timberwolves poses for a portrait during 2012 NBA Media Day on October 1, 2012 at Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2012 NBAE (Photo by Jordan Johnson/NBAE via Getty Images)

Monty Williams was a Portland assistant when the Trail Blazers drafted Cunningham in 2009, and he became a mentor to Cunningham during his two seasons with the Trail Blazers.

“He was pretty much my deodorant when I was with Portland,” Williams said of Cunningham before the Wolves’ game against New Orleans on Friday night, Dec. 14. “He was one of the few guys I’ve been around who worked his tail off every day and listened to everything you said. I’m not surprised he’s having this success.”

Cunningham has become a valuable performer off the bench in his first season with the Wolves. Adelman regularly praises Cunningham’s energy level and spirited play.

Cunningham credited Monty Williams for having the biggest impact on his NBA career.

“Being a rookie and knowing what to do and what not to do, I learned from him,” Cunningham said. “From a coaching standpoint and being a mentor, he’s had the biggest influence on me.”

Williams and Cunningham played at St. John’s Potomac High School in Washington, D.C., a connection that Williams said helped develop their close bond.

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